Japan’s aging population and busy urban lifestyles have created a rising demand for household and domestic workers. Families often require assistance with cleaning, cooking, childcare, and elderly care, making this sector a stable employment option.
Government policies in recent years have allowed more foreign workers to join the domestic service industry. This provides opportunities for overseas job seekers to work in Japan under legal frameworks and gain valuable international work experience.
Domestic workers in Japan often receive competitive salaries, especially in metropolitan areas. In some cases, benefits such as accommodation, meals, and transportation allowances are also included.
Working in Japan as a household or domestic worker offers the chance to learn Japanese culture, language, and work ethics. Many workers develop skills in housekeeping, caregiving, and time management that can enhance future career prospects.
Japan is known for its structured work culture and respect for employees. Domestic workers often benefit from clear work agreements, fair treatment, and safe working conditions.
Japan’s aging population and busy urban lifestyle have increased the need for skilled household and domestic workers, creating more opportunities for international candidates.
Beyond general cleaning and maintenance, there is demand for workers with creative or specialized skills such as organizing, home cooking, childcare, eldercare, and cultural exchange services.
Working in Japan allows domestic workers to experience the country’s rich traditions, language, and customs firsthand, while also sharing their own cultural heritage with host families.
Japan has implemented structured programs and legal work permits for foreign domestic workers, particularly in major cities like Tokyo and Kanagawa, ensuring fair treatment and regulated employment.
International domestic workers in Japan often receive competitive salaries, safe working environments, and access to healthcare and other benefits, contributing to long-term job stability.
Japanese culture values dedication, attention to detail, and reliability — qualities that elevate household and domestic work to a respected and professional occupation.
Responsible for cleaning, tidying, laundry, and maintaining overall household cleanliness. This role may be in private homes, hotels, or serviced apartments.
Focus on childcare, including feeding, bathing, educational activities, and sometimes language tutoring for children in bilingual households.
Assist elderly individuals with daily activities, personal care, meal preparation, and companionship — often in homes or assisted living facilities.
Prepare meals according to family preferences or dietary requirements, including Japanese and international cuisines.
Maintain private gardens, landscaping, and outdoor areas, often blending traditional Japanese gardening techniques with modern upkeep.
Provide transportation for families, including school runs, shopping trips, and business travel, ensuring safety and punctuality.
Offer a combination of housekeeping, cooking, childcare, and general assistance, often with accommodation provided by the employer.
Job Profile |
Avg. Annual Salary (JPY) |
Avg. Annual Salary (USD) |
Avg. Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Housekeeper |
¥2,500,000 |
$17,250 |
₹1,425,000 |
|
Live-in Maid |
¥2,400,000 |
$16,560 |
₹1,368,000 |
|
Nanny |
¥2,800,000 |
$19,320 |
₹1,596,000 |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
¥3,000,000 |
$20,700 |
₹1,710,000 |
|
Babysitter |
¥2,200,000 |
$15,180 |
₹1,254,000 |
|
Cook/Chef (Domestic) |
¥3,200,000 |
$22,080 |
₹1,824,000 |
|
Gardener |
¥2,300,000 |
$15,870 |
₹1,311,000 |
|
Chauffeur/Driver |
¥3,000,000 |
$20,700 |
₹1,710,000 |
|
Personal Assistant (Household) |
¥3,500,000 |
$24,150 |
₹1,995,000 |
|
House Manager |
¥4,000,000 |
$27,600 |
₹2,280,000 |
|
Laundry Specialist |
¥2,100,000 |
$14,490 |
₹1,197,000 |
|
Pet Care Attendant |
¥2,300,000 |
$15,870 |
₹1,311,000 |
|
House Cleaner (Part-Time) |
¥1,800,000 |
$12,420 |
₹1,026,000 |
|
Butler |
¥4,200,000 |
$28,980 |
₹2,394,000 |
|
Private Tutor (at Home) |
¥3,800,000 |
$26,220 |
₹2,166,000 |
|
Home Nurse |
¥3,200,000 |
$22,080 |
₹1,824,000 |
|
Handyman |
¥2,700,000 |
$18,630 |
₹1,539,000 |
|
Caretaker (Property) |
¥3,000,000 |
$20,700 |
₹1,710,000 |
|
Live-in Couple (Domestic) |
¥4,500,000 |
$31,050 |
₹2,565,000 |
|
Seasonal Helper |
¥1,600,000 |
$11,040 |
₹912,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Visa Category |
Must obtain a Designated Activities Visa or a specific visa under agreements (e.g., with certain countries or regions). |
|
Bilateral Agreements |
Currently available mainly to workers from countries with special arrangements with Japan (e.g., Philippines under the Japan–Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement). |
|
Age Requirement |
Typically between 23–45 years old, depending on the program or agreement. |
|
Educational Background |
Minimum of high school education or equivalent, as specified in the agreement. |
|
Work Experience |
At least 1–2 years of relevant experience in household or domestic work, childcare, or elderly care. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic proficiency in Japanese or completion of Japanese language training (requirement may vary by program). |
|
Health Requirements |
Must pass a medical examination proving fitness to work. |
|
Background Check |
No criminal record; clean employment history. |
|
Sponsorship |
Must be hired by a licensed Japanese household service company or authorized employer who can sponsor the visa. |
|
Training |
Completion of pre-departure orientation and skills training, as required by sending and receiving agencies. |
No. |
Job Profile |
Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Housekeeper |
General cleaning, laundry, dusting, and tidying up |
|
2 |
Live-in Domestic Helper |
Full household management, cooking, cleaning, and errands |
|
3 |
Nanny |
Childcare, educational support, and meal preparation for children |
|
4 |
Elderly Caregiver |
Assistance with mobility, hygiene, meals, and companionship |
|
5 |
Babysitter |
Short-term child supervision and safety monitoring |
|
6 |
Cook/Chef |
Preparing daily meals according to preferences and dietary needs |
|
7 |
Laundry Attendant |
Washing, ironing, folding, and organizing clothes |
|
8 |
Pet Care Attendant |
Feeding, grooming, and exercising pets |
|
9 |
Gardener |
Plant care, landscaping, and outdoor maintenance |
|
10 |
House Manager |
Supervising household staff, schedules, and budgets |
|
11 |
Personal Assistant |
Managing personal errands, appointments, and travel arrangements |
|
12 |
Driver |
Transporting employers, family members, and goods safely |
|
13 |
Cleaner (Part-time) |
Regular or deep cleaning on a scheduled basis |
|
14 |
Butler |
Formal service, guest management, and household organization |
|
15 |
Care Companion |
Providing emotional and social support to elderly or sick individuals |
|
16 |
Governess |
Providing academic and etiquette education for children |
|
17 |
Maintenance Worker |
Minor repairs, fixing appliances, and home upkeep |
|
18 |
House Sitter |
Looking after property and pets while owners are away |
|
19 |
Kitchen Helper |
Assisting in meal preparation and kitchen cleanliness |
|
20 |
Errand Runner |
Grocery shopping, parcel handling, and miscellaneous tasks |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Age Requirement |
Typically 20–45 years old (may vary by employer or program) |
|
Work Visa |
Must obtain the appropriate work visa (e.g., Specified Skilled Worker [SSW] or Technical Intern Training Program [TITP]) |
|
Educational Background |
At least a high school diploma; vocational training in caregiving or housekeeping preferred |
|
Work Experience |
1–2 years of relevant experience in domestic work, caregiving, or hospitality |
|
Language Skills |
Basic to intermediate Japanese language skills (usually JLPT N4 or N5 level) |
|
Health Requirement |
Must pass a medical examination and be physically fit for manual tasks |
|
Background Check |
Clean criminal record required |
|
Employment Contract |
A legally binding contract with a registered Japanese employer |
|
Training |
Completion of pre-departure training or orientation (often required for foreign workers) |
|
Compliance |
Must follow Japanese labor laws, employer rules, and immigration guidelines |
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Minimum Work Experience |
Generally 1–3 years of relevant experience in household or domestic work. |
|
Type of Experience |
Cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare, elderly care, and household organization. |
|
International Experience |
Preferred but not always required; experience working abroad or with foreign employers is an advantage. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic Japanese or English proficiency; some employers provide language training. |
|
Specialized Skills |
Knowledge of Japanese household appliances, dietary preferences, and cultural etiquette. |
|
References |
Verifiable work references from previous employers are often required. |
|
Certification/Training |
Training in caregiving, first aid, or housekeeping is beneficial, especially for roles involving elderly or children. |
Company Name |
Specialization |
Notes for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|
|
Pasona Inc. |
Household staffing, live-in domestic helpers |
Works with foreign workers under Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker program. |
|
Nisso Service Co., Ltd. |
Domestic support, cleaning, and elderly care |
Offers placements with families and small businesses; language support available. |
|
Nihon M&A Support Services |
Household management and elderly care |
Often hires caregivers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. |
|
Global Support Ltd. |
Housekeeping and nanny services |
Provides Japanese language training before placement. |
|
Pasona Foster Inc. |
Childcare, household assistance |
Works closely with foreign childcare workers through government programs. |
|
M&S Service Co., Ltd. |
Domestic helpers and live-in staff |
Focus on personalized household services for high-income families. |
Job Profile |
Average Monthly Salary (JPY) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies / Agencies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Housekeeper / Cleaner |
¥180,000 – ¥250,000 |
Basic cleaning skills, physical stamina, sometimes Japanese or English proficiency, prior housekeeping experience preferred |
Pasona, Global Support, Nihon Clean Service |
Cleaning and maintaining homes, laundry, dusting, waste disposal |
|
Caregiver / Domestic Helper |
¥200,000 – ¥280,000 |
Caregiving certification (preferred), basic Japanese, compassion, patience, physical strength |
Hello Work Japan, Nihon Care, Tokyu Stay |
Assisting elderly or disabled persons with daily activities, meal preparation, personal care |
|
Live-in Nanny |
¥220,000 – ¥300,000 |
Childcare experience, basic first aid, sometimes English teaching skills, ability to live with family |
Pasona, CareFinder Japan, Global Babysitters |
Supervising children, preparing meals, assisting with homework, ensuring safety |
|
Cook / Private Chef |
¥230,000 – ¥320,000 |
Cooking skills, knowledge of Japanese or international cuisine, hygiene standards, sometimes culinary certification |
Cookpad, Tokyo Private Chefs, Personal Dining Services |
Preparing daily meals, grocery shopping, maintaining kitchen cleanliness |
|
Pet Care Domestic Worker |
¥180,000 – ¥250,000 |
Experience with animals, ability to handle pet needs, feeding, walking, cleaning |
Dog Dept Japan, Petbacker, Pet Sitter Japan |
Feeding pets, walking dogs, cleaning cages/litters, basic grooming |
|
Gardener / Groundskeeper |
¥190,000 – ¥260,000 |
Basic gardening skills, plant care knowledge, physical strength |
Green Japan, Garden Works Tokyo, Konoike Group |
Plant care, lawn maintenance, pruning, seasonal landscaping |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Key Requirements |
Typical Duration |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – Category 1 |
Foreign nationals with specific skills in care work (e.g., elderly care, household assistance in caregiving facilities) |
Pass a skills exam and Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or higher) |
Up to 5 years (renewable within limits) |
Mainly for caregiving; not for general housemaids but includes domestic work in elder care |
|
Designated Activities Visa – Domestic Helpers for Foreign Executives |
Hired by foreign executives, diplomats, or highly skilled professionals living in Japan |
Must be employed full-time; employer must meet income and housing requirements; worker may need prior domestic work experience |
1 year (renewable) |
Usually tied to the stay of the sponsoring foreign family |
|
Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) |
Foreign workers from partner countries learning skills in household-related work (rare, usually caregiving) |
Must be part of an approved sending/receiving organization program |
1–3 years |
Primarily skills training, not long-term employment route |
|
Working Visa (Caregiver / Nursing) |
For certified caregivers under Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) |
Must have formal caregiving qualifications and Japanese language skills |
1–3 years (renewable) |
Includes household duties if related to caregiving role |
